Pierre Neuville, Former Team PokerStars Pro and November Niner, Dies at 83

Pierre Neuville, former Team PokerStars Pro, November Nine finalist, and one of Belgium’s most enduring poker figures, has died aged 83. He is best remembered for reaching the final table of the 2015 World Series of Poker Main Event, where he placed seventh for $1.2 million, and for a poker career that spanned decades and crossed both European and international circuits.

Pierre Neuville’s Poker Legacy and Career Milestones

Neuville, born in Montigny-le-Tilleul, Belgium in 1943, started playing poker while in university. Although he came to professional poker later in life—registering his first official tournament cash in 2008 at age 64—his results were immediate and consistent. Over 330 recorded tournament cashes and career earnings just above $5 million demonstrate a rare level of sustained competitiveness.

His stand-out performance came in the 2015 WSOP Main Event, where he reached the November Nine and ultimately finished in seventh place for $1,203,293. Another WSOP highlight was his runner-up finish in the 2014 $5,000 Six-Max, earning $384,041. Neuville made additional final tables at European Poker Tour stops, including second-place finishes at EPT Vilamoura in 2009 and EPT Copenhagen in 2012. In 2016, he added another second-place finish in the EPT Malta High Roller for $249,043.

"The Serial Qualifier won his seat for the EPT Main Event in online qualifiers 23 times, and he built up just over $5 million in career earnings since his first cash at the Belgian Poker Championship in 2007."

The Serial Qualifier: Notable Records and Honors

Known as "The Serial Qualifier," Neuville won seats to the EPT Main Event through online qualifiers 23 times, underlining his consistency and dedication. By the time of his WSOP Main Event run in 2015, he had already received the Global Poker Awards Lifetime Achievement honor.

A summary of Neuville's top 10 tournament scores paints the picture of a player who remained highly competitive well into his late seventies:

• 2015 WSOP Main Event – 7th – $1,203,293
• 2014 WSOP $5K Six-Max – 2nd – $384,041
• 2009 EPT Vilamoura Main Event – 2nd – $383,962
• 2012 EPT Copenhagen Main Event – 2nd – $282,843
• 2016 EPT Malta High Roller – 2nd – $249,043
• 2016 WSOP $1,500 Six-Max – 2nd – $213,837
• 2009 EPT Sanremo Main Event – 9th – $103,199
• 2012 Venetian $2,200 Big Bounty – 1st – $79,080
• 2010 EPT London – 8th – $71,829
• 2017 PokerStars Championship Barcelona – 6th – $65,814

His total of 330 career cashes remains notable among European professionals.

From Toy Executive to Poker Pro: Neuville’s Path Before Poker

Before focusing on poker, Neuville had a significant career in the board game and toy industry. He designed a board game featuring the legendary Belgian cyclist Eddy Merckx. The success of that project powered his rise within a Belgian toy company, which was eventually sold to Hasbro, Inc., the American toy conglomerate. Neuville continued as a vice president at Hasbro for a decade. He later shifted to consulting, and his interest in poker grew steadily into a second successful career.

The Final Years: Health Battle and Last Tournament Appearances

Neuville revealed in 2025 his diagnosis with late-stage prostate cancer. Nevertheless, he continued to compete as his health allowed. His last official WSOP appearance came in 2024, cashing in three bracelet events, while his final tournament participation took place at a PokerStars Open event held in Namur. The poker community recognized his perseverance—competing and cashing at a high level in the face of serious illness.

"Neuville's last WSOP appearance was in 2024, where he cashed in three bracelet events. He shared his late-stage prostate cancer diagnosis in 2025."

Pierre Neuville’s Influence on European Poker

Neuville made his greatest impact on the European Poker Tour (EPT). His pattern of qualifying and deep runs, combined with steady results, made him a fixture on the circuit throughout the 2010s. He was celebrated as one of the first Belgian players to break through internationally and help raise the country’s profile in major events.

His path—from a late entry into tournament poker to over $5 million in winnings and a place in poker history—provides a unique blueprint for aspiring professionals considering a transition later in life. His consistent presence at EPT and WSOP events, longevity as a competitor, and resiliency in the face of illness are all part of his legacy.

For operators and industry professionals, Neuville’s story spotlights the cross-generational appeal and long-term engagement available within the live tournament sector. His achievements remain relevant for the news archives and for retrospectives on the evolving European player base.